JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — First-place Jacksonville State puts its 38-10 record on the line Saturday against Kennesaw State in a Conference USA series at Rudy Abbott Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. CDT under cloudy skies with a temperature of 64 degrees.

The Gamecocks (38-10) own the best record in the league and enter the weekend having won seven of their last eight games. Jacksonville State swept a three-game series at Missouri State last weekend, outscoring the Bears 23-16. The Gamecocks also beat New Mexico State in back-to-back shutouts April 25-26.

Kennesaw State (23-22) brings a three-game winning streak into Saturday’s contest. The Owls edged Georgia State 10-9 in 11 innings Tuesday and swept Sam Houston last weekend by scores of 6-5, 7-6 and 12-1.

Players to watch

Kennesaw State reliever Cole Royer has been effective in recent outings. The right-hander pitched 3.0 innings of one-run ball against Georgia State on May 5, striking out one. Over his last five appearances, Royer has allowed three earned runs in 8.0 innings with four strikeouts.

Jacksonville State shortstop Caleb Johnson has been productive at the plate. Johnson went 2 for 4 with three RBIs in the Gamecocks’ 11-4 win at Missouri State on May 3. In his last five games, Johnson is hitting .350 with five RBIs.

Head-to-head

The teams played Friday at Rudy Abbott Field in the series opener. Kennesaw State lost that contest. Saturday’s game is the second of a three-game series, with the finale scheduled for Sunday.

Projection

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-6 Jacksonville State victory. The simulator’s ELO system gives the Gamecocks a 57.70 percent probability of winning.

Up next

Kennesaw State returns home to host Missouri State for a three-game series beginning May 14. Jacksonville State hosts Auburn on Tuesday before traveling to Dallas Baptist for a three-game series beginning May 14.